PORT HARCOURT (Sundiata Post) –Former President Goodluck Jonathan has advised the governments of Rivers and Bayelsa states to deepen their cooperation as a way of cementing the ties between the people of both states.
Jonathan noted that both states were linked by history and destiny stressing, that stronger ties between them would be beneficial to the people of both states which together made up the old Rivers State.
Jonathan, who spoke in Port Harcourt at the conferment of state honours by Governor Nyesom Wike said: “I therefore urge the Governments and citizens of Rivers and Bayelsa States to continue to work together and build closer ties in the interest of our people. The two States are inextricably linked by geography, history and destiny.
He thanked Governor Wike for his magnanimity in maintaining the cordial relationship between the two states, saying: “It is obvious
that Governor Wike does not discriminate against Bayelsans living in Rivers State. You are a very good example of the kind of leaders we need in Nigeria.”
The ex-President also expressed his gratitude to the people of Rivers State and “their high achieving Governor Barrister Nyesom Wike, for the opportunity to be in the honours list.
He said further: “I must point out that this honour from the people of Rivers State evokes a special and intense feeling of contentment in me. Before this I had received several awards from within and outside our shores. But this one by its nature, has a special place in my heart.
“As people often say, the greatest honour is the one conferred at home. This award I have just received today is one that is coming from a place I call my home.
“Not many will doubt me if I call Rivers State my home. Beyond being the home State of my wife, I spent my university education and public service working career in Port Harcourt before engaging in politics in 1998 that took me to Bayelsa State.”
Jonathan further commended Governor Wike for his development strides, especially his insight in launching a 50-year strategic economic, infrastructural and social development plan for the state, as a means of consolidating the gains of the development programmes.